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I was to the point of buying a 323 or 325 (even though I wanted a 330 or 328) because, for the most part all E46s look the same (I know, I know... sedan vs coupe differences, pre- or lifted differences, etc.). I like the look of them. I had the chance of buying a convertible E36 M3 w/ very low miles for the same price, but didn't, because I cared more about the look than performance. That's just me. Now, with all that said, since I have what I wanted in terms of looks, some performance isssues will be taken care of. But not much.

There are many cars out there that are more powerful and cost the same. But they don't look like a Bimmer and don't handle like a Bimmer.

I was going to wait and get an E90 in a couple of years, but I really don't like them. I know that I'll get used to them, I know that the modded ones will look cool, but to me (again, personal preference), the E46 looks a lot nicer. It's more aggressive. I mean, come on, when a female co-worker of mine tells me that she wants the new E90 because it's cuter and more feminine... Again, I know modded ones will look good, but I am extremely happy with my Ms. Red. Who knows? She may just become my "classic" car I won't be able to part with. Then again...

So, why did you buy your BMW? Looks or performance? Or both? (I know it's similar to a thread that took place a while back)

There's usually not a whole lot of action in the old Polls forum though.

I totally hear where you're coming from as far as looks go. The E46 is a pretty decent performing car, however if it looked like crap on a stick, then my car would still be at the dealership. On the opposite side of the coin, I couldn't see myself driving a car that looked good, but drove like a bread truck. I suppose I'm somewhere in the middle.

[QUOTE=crazyro.... I like the look of them. I had the chance of buying a convertible E36 M3 w/ very low miles for the same price, but didn't, because I cared more about the look than performance. [/QUOTE]

Personally, I'd take an e36 M3 over a e46 sedan, so I don't know if it is about looks, i think it's also about what's newer to you as well.
Obviously, we may have a difference of opinion here, but I think an e36 M3 convertible is a hot looking car, especially compared to a sedan.

As far as MY choice, I fell in love with the e46 COUPE the first time I saw a picture of one. I have always been a BMW fan as long as i remember, and I autocrossed an E36 before, so performance IS important to me, but I still feel that the coupe is one of the best looking cars ever.

Bought a 325i this year because seven years ago in San Francisco I started noticing the E36 around town and thinking what a stylish car it was and just the right size for parking in SF. Nothing else seemed just right.

I was still happy with my Alfa Romeo Spyder Veloce though and since I shortly moved to Colorado then to New York City I didn't need a new car much.

Then 9/11 happened, and as a result I was poor and miserable for the next 2 years, then moved back to California for a free house and a year of much needed calm. Then I went back to work and there's nothing around that pays for an hour so I had an hour commute each way, and still there's nothing I liked as much or turned my head to watch as the BMW on the road (not going to happen with the E90).

So I was STILL happy with my Alfa but after 15 years of great reliability it was starting to break down every four or five months (nothing major, but its days as a commuter car were clearly coming to an end).

I prefered the body style of the E36 but the interior of the E46, so I went with the E46 based on that.

After driving the 323, 325, 328, 330, I settled on the 325 for its combination of power when I want it and great gas mileage. The 323 was not an option because I wanted a power transmission (I expect to be living back in San Francisco with the hills in the not too distant future) and the 323's with power that I drove were sort of dogs (though the manuals were okay). I didn't really want the 328 or higher because I'd spent time driving a friend's and I was constantly watching the fuel needle drop at a miraculous rate and refilling the gas tank (and that's when gas was still relatively cheap).

So that left the 325, and I must say I'm very happy with the combo of good gas mileage and power when I need it thanks to the Steptronic -- love that thing. It's great fun.

and longevity. These cars SHOULD last, right? (Although, I am starting to wonder after having to replace the entire wiring harness under the hood 2 months ago at 60k, need to replace wheel bearings next week, and my windshield washer motor just went out today. Hmmm... Cold and flu season for the car, too.) Still love it, though.

I didn't really want the 328 or higher because I'd spent time driving a friend's and I was constantly watching the fuel needle drop at a miraculous rate and refilling the gas tank (and that's when gas was still relatively cheap).

Here's a weird tid bit of info for you, the 3.0L engine actually gets better mileage than the 2.5L engine.

Yeah, I saw those numbers too before I bought. But my real world experience with both cars is nothing like that. I think the 328 also affected my driving habits so I was seeing what it could do a lot more than I do with my 325. I'm sure I'll get fewer tickets in a 325 than a 328/330 too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by russ330

Here's a weird tid bit of info for you, the 3.0L engine actually gets better mileage than the 2.5L engine.

both... stock it looks and performs weak, but it's all about what a car can become... not what it is the masterplan is to make it faster than an M3... and for the people who are in doubt... yes a 2.5L can be made to beat an M3 in every way without changing base internals